Bach-y-graig South East Farm Range

Cadw's description

Location

In the farmyard of Bach-y-graig

History

Probably early C17 or possibly even late C16: a fine stable range with ventilated loft, the nucleus of which is now a farmyard; now serving as a cowhouse. The building appears designed to complement the house and its courtyard buildings of 1569, but the different bond of the brickwork (and slightly larger size of brick) in this building implies it is not necessarily contemporary.

Exterior

A stable range the front and gable walls of which are in brickwork (English Garden Wall bond), slate roof. Lower part of quoins strengthened in stonework. The rear is in timber framing above stonework: framing two panels high with brick panels in lower half incorporating small vent apertures, the upper half now open but holes and grooves in the timbers indicate there was formerly light panel infilling.

The front (facing the approach road to Bach-y-graig house) has five two-light stone windows with mullions and two wide doorways, one with capped jambs and round arch with outer moulding, the other square-headed and plain; both blocked with brickwork up to window sill height. Above there are four large loft hatches with boarded doors and three tiers of ventilators. Part of the upper storey has been rebuilt in modern brickwork. Later cart opening in right (east) gable. Anchor irons of four tie rods on west gable wall.

Interior

Five unequal bays with pegged trusses consisting of collar beams, queen-posts and strutted tie beams. Two purlins each side. Wall posts slightly jowled. Part of the loft floor survives.

Reason for designation

Listed at II* as a fine stable range with spacious loft, notable as an early example of brickwork in north-east Wales, and an interesting instance of composite construction including also timber framing and stone; the range associated with the early period of Bach-y-graig and listed also for group value with the farmhouse.